I’ve looked forward to visiting the Weta Cave ever since my Stray bus friend Matt told me about it the first week of the trip.

Weta Cave is the home of Peter Jackson’s studio in Wellington. It’s where the magic happens — the creation of costumes, make-up, special effects, and post production facilities for some of the best known films in history. In addition to the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the new Hobbit films, Weta is responsible for work on Avatar, District 9, King Kong, Adventures of Tintin, and dozens more. In total its films have won 49 Oscars.

But let me back up — when I step off the bus in Miramar (a section of Wellington), I notice signs for Big Al’s Camera Shop. Curious, I head inside.

I am greeted by a very kind fellow sitting behind the counter. He’s not Al, but Al returns shortly thereafter and we all have a nice chat about cameras and movies.

If you are in need of older camera parts, check out Al’s on-line inventory on eBay (there’s a lot more in person, too).

After some good conversation, I move on to the Weta Cave.

There are giant creatures outside. I’m rather ignorant about Tolkien mythology but perhaps it has something to do with LOTR? Or maybe they’re from a different movie that Peter Jackson or Weta worked on?

Wherever they came from, they are creepy.

There’s a mini museum and gift shop inside the Weta Cave featuring lots of LOTR items, plus other special props and collector’s items from films Weta has worked on.

After watching the 25 minute featurette about Weta (which is free), I pay for the Window into Workshop tour. It’s only 45 minutes and doesn’t reveal too much more (most of their projects are highly confidential), but we do get to watch employees in action building props and preparing special effects.

During our tour we see employees constructing a giant tree shaped like a monster that has been privately commissioned, but will go into a public space once completed. The Weta workers are covered in a sticky mixture as they add texture to the tree. It’s quite a hands-on job!

The tour is $20 and I think it’s well worth it, even given the short length. Since I come from a Hollywood background I didn’t expect to be as captivated with it — in fact, I didn’t even anticipate paying for the tour — but after watching the 25 minute featurette, I had to see more. They do really fascinating work here.

Afterwards I walk down to the shoreline of Miramar and grab a bite to eat. I imagine in warmer weather this place is jumping, but in the middle of fall I don’t run into many other people.

The houses along this stretch are fun to look at.

You guys… we are SO close. Only two more posts about New Zealand. Tomorrow I’ll detail the final stretch back up to Auckland, and on Friday I’ll post a thorough budget breakdown of all the money I’ve spent in Kiwi Land. Stay tuned!